The difference between flame retardant and flame resistance cable
Modern residential communities are designed from the ground up with fire hazards in mind. Because fire can disable much of the building equipment, a fire resistant or flame retardant cable is needed as the main wiring wire. So what’s the difference between a flame retardant cable and a fire resistant cable? I will explain in detail
Fire Resistant Cable
Main uses:
Mainly used in high-rise buildings, underground railroads, nuclear power plants, and important industrial and mining enterprises, as well as fire safety and fire rescue related places, such as emergency power supply to indoor fire fighting equipment, fire alarm equipment, signal lamps, ventilation and smoke exhaust equipment, and emergency elevator power supply lines.
Characteristics:
Fire-resistant cable (wire) is a type of cable that can keep the line operational for a certain period of time even in a burning situation. The difference between this and the usual fire-retardant cables and wires is that during a fire, it can still transmit electrical energy to facilitate the evacuation of people and rescue important equipment.
Flame retardant cable
Main applications:
Widely used in large buildings, tunnels, petrochemical industries, power stations, mines, and other places with high fire protection requirements. When a fire occurs, it can stop the fire from spreading along the cable, avoiding the expansion of the fire accident and reducing losses.
Use characteristics:
The long-term allowable operating temperature of the cable and wire is consistent with the corresponding standard in the model of the ordinary products. A comprehensive and correct understanding of flame-retardant and fire-resistant cables is the foremost condition for making the right selection.
UL flame retardant standards
CMP class:
The highest cable safety level. This cable has perfect flame retardant ability and emits very low smoke and toxins. These cables are generally made of Teflon-based materials.
CMR grade:
The second-highest grade of cable. This cable is perfectly flame retardant but is not tested for the emission of smoke and toxins. With the exception of CMP-grade cables, CMR cables, along with all other grades, are made with halide-based chemicals, such as chlorine, to stop the spread of combustion.
CM/CMG Grade:
General-purpose flame-retardant cable with safety standards under UL1581 (similar to IEC60332-3). CM-grade cables do not have a smoke concentration specification and are generally used for horizontal routing on consenting floors. They should not be used for vertical wiring between floors.
Class CMX:
A household-grade cable that adheres to the safety standards of UL1581, VW-1 (similar to IEC60332-1). This rating also lacks specifications for smoke or toxicity and is used in home or small office systems where a single cable is laid.
A brief summary of fire protection capability, from lowest to highest:
- CMX: Auxiliary cable, restricted use, lowest fire resistance
- CM/CMG: Same floor use, horizontal alignment, can be bundled together
- CMR: Cross-floor, vertical alignment
- CMP: For use in forced-air environments, highest fire resistance
KMCABLE provides different kinds of flame resistant retardant cables. Please feel free to contact us if any requirements.
